After adventures on Mull, I returned to the ferry ticket office in Oban and asked the lovely lady where else I could sail to. She looked at me a little strangely and asked where I’d like to go and when, to which I replied ‘anywhere and today please!’ So a ferry to Barra was booked and other ferries along the Outer Hebrides to head north over the next couple of weeks.
I cannot explain the beauty of these islands when the sun shines. The colour of the sea is magical and actually as it’s been so hot, the sea is a lovely temperature for a dip. I have found some peaceful park up spots and have had the beaches and sunsets to myself. The wildlife sightings have also been beyond anything I expected too. Dolphins from the ferry, seals, golden eagles, a stunning short-eared owl in flight and of course always an oyster catcher screeching at me in greeting!
The islands are quite varied in landscape with long, sweeping white sand beaches, a patchwork of lochs, rugged hills in the south and mountains in the north, so walking has been different each day. I loved the spectacular summit ridge of Beinn Mhór and I was blessed with beautiful weather when I walked the Vatersay trail to see its sweeping bays. On my second to last night, I headed to Tolsta and walked around Tolsta Head and Traigh Mhòr, one of Lewis’ finest beaches.
My time here has not been without rain and wind and when the wind blows, it blows! The northernmost point of Lewis is said to be the windiest place in the UK. As well as the rain, the Isle of Lewis gave me a dose of history with a visit to Lews Castle, the restored black house village of Gearrannan showcasing crofting life and the mysterious and incredible Calanais Stones, which pre-date Stonehenge.
I have overloaded you with photos in this post, but every island had its own character and scenery that I wanted to share. So enjoy!
It’s back to the mainland tomorrow to continue my Scottish adventures…
